A Citizen's Tip Leads Newport Beach Police to Multiple Burglary Charges for Suspect

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A late night Newport Beach area robbery saw one arrested thanks to a tip from a community member.

"On Oct. 5, just before 3 a.m., a woman called Dispatch to report some suspicious activity at an electronics store in the 2700 block of West Coast Highway," Newport Beach public information officer Jennifer Manzella said. "She reported hearing a loud crash and an alarm, and then seeing a man flee the area on a bike."

Responding officers immediately began to investigate and search the area.

"One officer verified that several boxes of headphones appeared to be missing from the store. Another officer set out on foot to search a nearby greenbelt, where he spotted a man sitting next to a bicycle... and several boxes of headphones in a rubber trash can," Manzella stated.

The following admission by the suspect gave them even more information than the Newport Beach Police Department bargained for.

"The suspect admitted to stealing the headphones from the electronics store, stealing the trash can from a nearby post office, AND stealing the bicycle from a bike shop in Costa Mesa a week prior," Manzella said. " He was arrested for Commercial Burglary and Theft of Property from a US Post Office."

What do tips from concerned citizens do for the community?

"The NBPD is grateful for tips like this," she said. "Because an observant citizen took the time and initiative to call the police department, we were able to recover several items of stolen property and to remove a burglar from our streets. This case also showed excellent teamwork from all officers involved."

If you see something, say something

"If you ever seen anything suspicious or out of place, please give us a call at 949-644-3717 so that we can respond appropriately," Manzella said.